International Elegance at Knotting Hill Place

March 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Inspired by their families’ South African & Australian heritage, Gabbi & Ari had big visions for their big day – with global influences incorporated throughout the wedding, ranging from South African protea flowers used as the bridesmaids’ bouquets, to themed reception food stations centered around Austin, Australian, and South African cuisines.  

These two lovebirds first found their way to each other through a happenstance meeting of Gabbi’s aunt & Ari’s mom at a Shabbat lunch in 2017 in Sydney, Australia. Ari was headed to work at Facebook in Austin in two weeks – where Gabbi already happened to live and work! They immediately began texting prior to his departure (“to help him adjust to the new country… it’s not a set-up”) & their first date in Austin was a private salsa lesson (as no one else showed up) – and the rest is history!

Ari later proposed at a family Mother’s Day brunch through an elaborate Lion King-themed play, performed with Gabbi’s nieces & nephews, retelling the story of how they met. The play ended with Ari getting down on one knee right there to finish the story. Gabbi happily said ‘Yes!’, excited to celebrate right away with her nearest & dearest already gathered together as he planned it.  A beautiful Jewish wedding was to be planned!!

On a chilly spring day in March 2020 at the stunning Knotting Hill Place, these two made it official and we were beyond honored to help put together such a special wedding day.

Keep scrolling to see the gorgeous pictures from this exciting day!

Fabulous Vendor Team:

Venue :: Knotting Hill Place

Photographer :: K & S Photography 

Planning :: The Creative Touch Events

Flowers :: FD2 Custom Floral Design

Hair and Makeup :: Locks by Rach 

Chuppah :: Father of the Bride

Catering :: Simcha Kosher Catering 

Entertainment :: Goga Music 

Departure Car :: Charles’ Vintage Limousine Service 

Videographer :: Elixir Video – see the fun wedding trailer below!


Gabbi & her girls looked as sweet as can be in their special bridal party “getting ready” robes, especially when paired with the fabulous work of Locks by Rach.

This charming 1938 Ford Deluxe from Charles’ Vintage Limousine Service in a precious shade of baby blue (so lovely with those bridesmaid dresses!) was an absolute beauty parked outside the grand front entrance to Knotting Hill.  Following some fun wedding party pictures taken by none other than the talented Shauna Benoit of K & S Photography, the couple began traditional Jewish pre-ceremonies of the Tisch and Bedeken, receiving well wishes and much love from their closest family and friends.

These lovely flowers by FD2 Custom Floral accent Father of the Bride‘s birch chuppah wonderfully. Pink roses in every shade combine with green hanging amaranthus and Italian ruscus greenery as an elegant backdrop for the wedding party. Gabbi’s beautiful bouquet includes both a protea (like her bridesmaids) and lush, trailing white phalaenopsis orchids.

To make the ceremony even more special, Gabbi’s brother, Rabbi Dan Lewin, officiated while important family friends recited the Sheva Brachot.

Simcha Catering went above & beyond on their delicious and delectable servings, with international-inspired offerings based on classic foods from each cuisine close to Gabbi & Ari’s hearts. Highlights included typical Austin fare of street tacos, a salsa & guac bar, and elote, to South African boerewors sausage & perri-perri dipping sauces, and Australian fish & chips. As a nod to both of the couple’s gluten-free diets, their dessert options included Australian pavlovas and an ice cream & sorbet bar rather than a “traditional” cake.

Entertainment for the night was provided by Goga Music – led by the exceptional Goga & his talented backing musicians on the saxophone & percussion. The guests had a blast dancing the rest of the night away, including a traditional Horah dance to “Hava Nagila” while lifting Gabbi & Ari (connected by a handkerchief symbolizing their union) in the air as their families and friends circle around.

After an unforgettable night of blessings and dancing, off they went in a cloud of silver streamers! Gabbi & Ari departed their reception to cheers and applause before being whisked away in their vintage car.

Our best wishes to Gabbi & Ari in their celebration and journey to come – mazel tov & lots of love! 

Filed Under: Jewish Wedding, Wedding Photography, Weddings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Classical Romance at the Renaissance at Plano Legacy West

November 27, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Josh & Traci’s spring wedding was an elegant affair, full of traditional touches with a twist. We were thrilled to partner with our sister floral company, Freesia, to put on an evening Josh & Traci will never forget! 

This sweet couple wanted a soft and elegant, yet easy-going and fun, party atmosphere – and we think these combined into simply the perfect wedding! Fun activities included a late-night ice cream cart with build-your-own sundaes by Mr. Sugar Rush, to hours of dancing the night away to the sounds of the Jordan Kahn Orchestra. 

Freesia loved working with a gorgeous white and blush floral palette, with an abundance of roses, lilies, snapdragons, stock, and sweet spray roses being put to use creating a stunning floral-adorned chuppah and beautiful gold-accented table centerpieces. 

After a private and romantic last dance to “Lady” by Kenny Rogers, Josh & Traci exited into an exciting bubble-filled departure down stairs, filled with cheers, high fives, and well wishes from their near and dear before the after party started in the hotel bar. Too precious! 

Scroll on to see the amazing pictures from the big day!

Fabulous Vendor Team:

Venue :: Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel 

Photographer :: Cristina Wisner

Planning :: The Creative Touch Events

Flowers :: Freesia

Hair and Makeup :: TC Makeup 

Chuppah :: Father of the Bride

Catering :: Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel

Entertainment :: Jordan Kahn Orchestra

Videographer :: HMH Productions

Cake :: The Butterfly Cakery

Late-Night Ice Cream Cart :: Mr. Sugar Rush

Chairs :: Marquee Events

Linens :: BBJ Linens

Mazel tov, Traci & Josh! We loved being a part of your special day!

Traci + Josh from HMH Productions on Vimeo.

Filed Under: Wedding Photography, Wedding Trends, Weddings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fairytale Wedding at The Omni Dallas Hotel

December 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Staci and David met on New Year’s Day 2016, a year after their best friends had first started trying to set them up. David came into town for the Michigan State game at the Cotton Bowl and bribed a friend for the chance to meet Staci. They dated for almost two years before he proposed on a weekend getaway at his favorite beach in Indian Shores, Florida.

The couple started planning their dream wedding at the Omni Dallas. Staci knew she wanted bright and vibrant shades of purple and pink, with a classic fairytale theme, and Freesia was more than happy to oblige! She says, “I wanted the flowers to be a focal point, and Lauren put that vision to life perfectly and it all made me feel like a princess.” Linens by BBJ Linen provided the perfect backdrop for the bright florals. With dramatic arrangements on every table, and a breathtaking chuppah from Father of the Bride exquisitely covered in vivid violet hydrangeas, fuschia calla lilies, stunning vanda orchids, and the brightest pink roses, the ceremony and reception were a fairytale fantasy.

Staci wore a stunning lace gown by Justin Alexander from Lasting Bridal, and her bridesmaids wore radiant orchid dresses by Dessy, from Nordstrom. Staci looked every bit the princess, with hair and makeup by TC Makeup. Capturing the day on camera was Shannon Skloss, and videographers from Thompson Pictures. Carlson Craft created the elegant invitations for the wedding weekend’s festivities.

One of Staci’s favorite memories of the wedding was the First Look with her father and with David. “I knew my dad had waited his whole life for that moment, and it was so special for it happen so perfectly.”

Staci made her way down the aisle accompanied by her parents. “Even with 270 people, it felt like David and I were the only ones in the room.”

Once it was time for the reception, In10City Band played all of Staci and David’s favorites, and kept the crowd dancing. Staci says “I don’t think I even left the dance floor until Steel City Pops arrived.” The couples stunning cake was created by Lo at Sweet Thangs. Looking back, Staci only wishes she had more time to experience the night. “It flew by like everyone said it would!”

Staci and David departed the wedding in a picture perfect sea of bubbles, ending a night that was a dream come true.

It was an honor to be part of this sweet couple’s special day. We wish all the blessings life has to offer. Mazel tov to Staci and David!

Filed Under: Weddings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bohemian Chic Wedding at Camp Lucy

November 28, 2018 By 2 Comments

Hillary and Tanner met through a mutual friend–on the phone. They talked for four months before they ever even met in person! The two fell in love, and dated for three years before Tanner proposed, surrounded by family and friends on Hillary’s birthday.

The couple got to work planning their perfect wedding. The venue at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, TX, was perfect for their “Bohemian Chic” theme. With a moody color palette in blush, sage, burgundy, navy, and gold, it was sure to be a glamorous evening.

Racheal Bumbolo at Smock Design created their invitation suite, setting the tone for the wedding weekend. Hillary’s beautiful lace accented gown by Bliss by Monique Lhullier, from Nordstrom Bridal Suite, was gorgeously complemented by navy bridesmaids dresses by Show Me Your Mumu. The girls looks were completed with makeup by Lola Beauty ATX.

Whim Hospitality took Hillary and Tanner’s vision and theme, and designed the perfect florals, with stunning and unique flower types, creating a bohemian fall wonderland with an arch for the ceremony, and tall sculptural arrangements at the reception. Rachel L’Antigua photographed the day, and ByDesign Films captured every moment on video.

Most important to Hillary and Tanner–more so than the theme or the setting–was being surrounded by friends and family. Hillary says “After my dad’s death, my only wish was for everyone to be in the same room, happy and celebrating. Our wedding was the exact image of my wish.” Hillary felt the wedding was a beautiful celebration of her father’s life.

Hillary’s favorite moment of the wedding was seeing Tanner so happy at the end of the aisle, and knowing they would be interlaced forever. She was walked down the aisle by her brother, Harry Jr., whom she had only found out about the day before her father’s funeral. After the initial flood of emotions, Hillary and her brother quickly bonded and caught up on all the time they missed, and she felt blessed to be able to include him in such a special way. She said “God and my dad were smiling on our marriage.”

Guests danced the night away with music played by the Walton Stout Band, and lighting that helped set the ambiance of the space was provided by Intelligent Lighting Design. My Event is The Bomb was there with a photo booth to capture memories for all of Hillary and Tanner’s guests. Their cakes were made by Sweet Treats Bakery.

Hillary’s advice to other couples planning their weddings is “Don’t count down the days, plan every day exactly what you need to but don’t overdo it too quickly. There is time for everything to be planned, don’t stress. Enjoy being engaged because it is a great journey!” What great advice, Hillary!

Congratulations to Hillary and Tanner!

 

 

Filed Under: Weddings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Classic Southern Wedding at University Hall at Oak Lawn Park

November 7, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Lexi and Andy both share pride in their alma mater, The University of Alabama, which they both attended when they met. Their paths first crossed as interns in Washington D.C. They stayed friends all summer long, and starting dating back in Alabama that fall. Six years later, Andy proposed on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial, back in the special city where they first met.

When it came time to start planning their wedding, Lexi and Andy knew they wanted a joyful event, with timeless southern touches. Arlington Hall at Oak Lawn Park was the perfect venue for their ceremony and reception.

BBJ Linen provided beautiful linens to tie in the elegant tablescapes. Freesia, our sister company, helped to bring the timeless southern look to life with florals in shades of ivory and green, as well as perfectly seasonal cherry blossoms.

Uptown Violins played classic arrangements for the couple’s outdoor ceremony, and The Motion Band with Absolute Entertainment kept the party going all night long with music and lighting. Stephanie Brazzle Photography, along with Soulbox Productions Videography, captured every moment for Lexi and Andy and their families to cherish for a lifetime. Lexi and her bridal party got ready with TC Makeup doing hair and makeup.

 

The stunning wedding cake from Frosted Art stood out, alongside a festive groom’s cake honoring The University of Alabama! Catering and impeccable service was provided by Food Glorious Food.

The couple had an Alabama-inspired send-off, and departed in a vintage car from DFW Vintage Cars.

Wishing every happiness to Lexi and Andy in their future together! Roll Tide!

Filed Under: Wedding Photography, Weddings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Farm-to-Table Shower at The Bachelor Farmer, Minneapolis, MN

October 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Paige and Tom love cooking and eating together, so when it came time to plan their wedding shower, a Farm-to-Table theme fit them perfectly. The Creative Touch Events loves to travel, so we jumped at the chance work with them on putting together the perfect party to celebrate with their family and friends in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Bachelor Farmer is a beautiful spot with an emphasis on local, organic products. They created a custom menu to tie in seasonal produce with some of Paige and Tom’s favorites, like vegetable fritters and braised meatballs, along with delicious brownies and cream puffs. They even made sure Paige’s favorite drink, a Moscow Mule, was on tap for all of their guests.


Once speeches were finished, we opened the doors to reveal the buffet room. It was a great surprise for all the guests, and for Paige and Tom!

With the beautiful cafe as the backdrop, Spruce Flowers went above and beyond to decorate the room with an impressive display of fresh fruits and vegetables mixed with seasonal blooms in a rainbow of colors, like coral charm peonies and stunning giant allium. BBJ Linen added a special touch to the display with rich navy linens. Jourdin Hendrix Calligraphy provided the beautiful, custom hand-lettered phrases for the welcome table, bar, and buffet.

The evening was photographed by Christina Olson of Electric Lime. Christina says her favorite thing about photography is “capturing the connection and joy between people”, and she certainly captured the joy of Paige and Tom with their loved ones, celebrating their relationship together.

Congratulations to Paige and Tom, and we wish them the best in their future together.

 

Filed Under: Bridal Shower Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Enchanted Forest Wedding at The Adolphus

August 21, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Lissy and Leon started dating when she moved back to Dallas after grad school, but they really met years before that. “We actually first met when we carpooled together for a year in elementary school.” Lissy says, “But neither of us remembers!”

Lissy studies Italian history, so when Leon surprised her with an Italian-themed date complete with a gondola ride, she was all in! Little did she know, Leon had set up the perfect proposal. Afterward, Leon arranged to meet with both of their families for an Italian dinner to celebrate.

When it was time to start planning their wedding, Lissy and Leon were inspired by the old world charm of the Adolphus Hotel, and knew they wanted to make the beautifully-painted ballroom into their own “secret garden.” Lissy loves flowers, and Freesia helped her transform the room with vibrant colors and textures in shades of pink and coral, turning the space into their enchanted forest dream.

Stamped Paper Co created the couple’s custom invitations, menus, and programs that set the tone for the evening. Lissy looked beautiful in a Reem Acra gown from Warren Barron, and hair and makeup with her and all her girls by Anastasia Stratton.

Seeing Leon during the Bedecken ceremony was one of Lissy’s favorite moments of the day. “I was so excited to see him and felt like my heart was going to burst.” They walked down the aisle with Gyros String Quartet playing in the background. As part of Jewish wedding tradition Lissy circled Leon seven times. That was the moment that made it all feel real. “Afterwards, Leon and I stepped under our beautiful chuppah. We were surrounded by our parents and siblings who have always loved and supported us, and we both felt so incredibly lucky and excited.”

 

The reception was romantically lit with taper candles by Eleven Embers, and enchanted lighting by Beyond. Chairs and the stage facade were provided by Bella Acento, and linens by BBJ. Thanks to Jordan Kahn Orchestra, the night went perfectly, “I loved getting to dance with Leon and all our friends and family- you could feel the joy and love in the room all night and it was the most magical feeling.” Every moment was captured by photographer Shannon Skloss, and videographers of Soulbox.

To complement the romantic and warm elements of Lissy and Leon’s wedding, Frosted Art created a stunning cake with touches of gold and rose gold, along with intricate floral details that came from their wedding invitations. Italian gelato was also provided from Paciugo.

We asked Lissy if she had any advice for other brides, and she shared some golden advice from her sister-in-law. “She told us to be in the moment and try to stick together as much as possible, so that when you look back on the wedding, you share the same experiences and memories of the night.” This is so true! The Creative Touch Events team could not have been more honored to be part of such a sweet and beautiful couple’s new journey together.

Shalom and Mazel tov to Lissy and Leon for a lifetime of happiness!

Filed Under: Wedding Photography, Wedding Videography, Weddings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

French Lingerie Shower at The Rosewood Mansion Hotel

October 9, 2014 By 1 Comment

This French inspired lingerie shower was so much fun to create. The details will have you swooning over a custom perfume bar, indulgent treats and authentic French champagne that the girls celebrated with all day and evening long! The bride to be, Laura, who is also a recent SMU grad, gathered with her sweet bridesmaids at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for the celebratory evening.

Maureen, one of Laura’s bridesmaids, hosted the shower. She really wanted to go with a French inspired theme because Laura really loves all things French! Once the girls settled into their Mansion suite, a limo by Premier Transportation picked them up and took them to LaBichette, a fabulous blowout salon in Dallas. After they got their hair and makeup done, the girls left for Posh Nail Salon to get mani’s and pedi’s.

Once the girls were all pampered and gorgeous, they went back to their suite to get ready for a French dinner at Bijoux. Waiting at the restaurant, was a gorgeous table with custom made place cards, stunning linens by M&M Special Events and floral arrangements by Branching Out Floral and Event Design.

2014-10-07_0003 2014-10-07_0002 2014-10-07_0001

Branching Out did a fabulous job on all of the flowers! They used the bride’s favorite colors of pops of corals and yellows to give the aqua French inspired table the perfect touch.

After a delicious dinner at Bijoux, the limo took the girls to the hotel. Once they arrived, their suite was completely transformed into an “Ooh La La” French inspired lingerie shower, a complete surprise to Laura!

2014-10-07_0010

Upon arrival, the girls were greeted with a delicious and refreshing little gin, champagne and mint infusion we named, Sexy lil’ Nittie.

2014-10-07_0011

2014-10-07_0007

A custom perfume bar was created for the girls where they chose from a variety of scents and nodes, only to fashion a custom perfume that fit each of their personal tastes. Gorgeous pieces of lingerie on custom hangers were placed around the suite not only as part of the decor, but to also highlight the beauty of each piece gifted from the hostess, Maureen. It really added that sultry and elegant touch to this French inspired lingerie shower.

dallas_wedding_planner_0035

dallas_wedding_planner_0036

Laura and her bridesmaids had their choice of an array of indulgent and delectable sweet treats presented on vintage silver and crystal serving pieces with fine French champagne and coffee to sip on throughout the night.

dallas_wedding_planner_0034

2014-10-07_0008

Autumn Light Photography was there to capture all the beautiful elements of the Ooh La La lingerie shower. It’s always a pleasure to work with such a spectacular vendor team and we couldn’t be more appreciative of all their hard work.  Creating this French inspired lingerie shower for Laura and her girls was so much fun! We can’t wait to create another unique and elegant shower for our next bride-to-be.

Filed Under: Bridal Shower, Lingerie Shower, Weddings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,